The research method is descriptive because the purpose of the study is to find why is something happening. The study was to explore the factors influencing computer competence of Taiwan nurses. In general nurses should have sufficient computer competence to be able to take advantage of web-based in-service education. Based upon the scores of the data the researchers would know if the nurses had sufficient computer competence.

c) Explain the research method, any instruments and how they were developed or chosen. Be sure to indicate the type of instrument (survey, interview, focus group etc.)

This was a simple descriptive research design used to collect data to measure a phenomenon. This study was conducted to examine the basic computer competence of public health nurses in Taiwan. A questionnaire was used as the type of instrument to collect the data and was delivered by mail. A national cross-sectional randomized study was conducted with 2,398 public health nurses working in 369 public health stations throughout Taiwan.

d) List the research questions and the answers the study arrived at for those questions.

The factors that influenced computer competence was weekly number of hours spent online at home, weekly amount of time spent online at work, weekly frequency of computer use at work, previous computer training, computer at workplace and Internet access, job position, education level, and age. Results indicate that basic computer competence of public health nurses in Taiwan is still needs to be improved. Among the five most frequently used software programs, nurses were most knowledgeable about Word and least knowledgeable about PowerPoint.

e) Evaluate the effectiveness of the research design, methods and instrument(s) of this study.

The effectiveness of the simple descriptive research design was appropriate because the purpose of the study was to measure a phenomenon among a large group of participants. Mainly to find the level of computer competence and to see if these group of people could work effectively on computer programs. The instrument used for the study could be modified depending on the type of questions used on the questionnaire. Did the questions match the questions for the research? Did the questions pointed to find out at what level of competence were the participants. According to the research they recommend appropriate authorities clearly define the basic computer competence required of a public health nurse and that a comprehensive systematic assessment program should be established.

2. Locate a qualitative study. Then provide the following:a) Correct APA style Bibliographical reference and URL for the study

This is a simple descriptive research that has collected data to describe a learning setting and the benefits of the learning setting. The purpose of the research was to put the components of a university based English for Academic Purposes into online delivery mode. A total of 41 international students participated in the research. This research was design into a course that provided an intensive language acquisition for students who were preparing for entrance into the undergraduate university programs.

c) Explain the research method and how it was developed or chosen.

The developers adopted a case study approach and made extensive observations on the processes and outcomes of the course based on the students’ participation in asynchronous oral activities online. For the observations the developer obtained first-hand in-class observations of student reactions to the exercises online. The developers also analyzed the exercises to determine the pattern and quality of the student interactions and discourses. At the end of the research the students were given survey that required discrete responses and open-ended written comments.

d) List any research questions and the answers the study arrived at for those questions.

The results indicate that using the asynchronous was a positive experience for the majority of the students. The online environment encouraged the development of communication competency in a non-threatening setting. At the end of the study the developer of the EAP programs felt confident that asynchronous voice technology is a viable tool for language learning and is effective in enhancing students’ listening and speaking skills.

e) Evaluate the effectiveness of the research design, methods and instrument(s) of this study.

The effectiveness of the research was well done mainly because of the observations. The developers were able to observe the interactions of the students and how comfortable or comfortable the students felt with the online exercises. Also by including at the end of the research a survey, the developers were able to get feedback on the usefulness of the online activity and the potential benefits it could have in the language learning process.

3. Describe a quantitative approach to answer the question: What is the effect of using only a podcast for content transmission on student learning in graduate classes?

A quantitative approach on the effect of using only a podcast for content transmission on student learning in graduate classes could be with the use of a cumulative assessment at the end of the quarter on two groups. One group would be taught by direct instruction with an instructor, notes, and books. The other group would be taught with only a podcast. The assessments’ scores would reflect the effectiveness of each method.

4. Describe a qualitative approach to answer the question: What are the effects of using podcasts for content transmission on student learning in graduate classes?

A qualitative approach on what are the effects of using podcasts for content transmission on student learning in graduate classes could be with the use of interviews and observations. The researcher would interview and observe a group of students. A set of questions would be used to interview the students on how effect is the teaching method that they are learning from. Then the students will be observed to see how they interact in the setting. The interview and the observation should indicate which if the students are learning the content with the podcasts.

3 comments:

I saw your comment about how you saved your URLs but they went somewhere else. I just went on and checked your sites and they work well. You just need to type in your password to go to the library. I am not certain how you get around that myself.